Here’s to Mother’s Day the Babyology way part one – it’s in the bag

Choosing a nappy bag is almost a new or expectant mum’s rite of passage and with so many beautiful bags to choose from, it’s not only a baby essential but also a style statement.

Given that you have to buy a new bag, you may as well chose your heart’s desire. Designers have realised that most mums ditch their handbags in favour of a nappy bag. So the days of cutesy designs are long gone and instead there are plenty of beautiful options that handbag lovers will be happy to tote around everyday. We have reviewed many nappy bags on Babyology but here are a few of our very favourites.

Nappy bags in fabulously cool prints are just a skip and a hop away with Skip Hop. The eye-catching designs are combined with a long list of practical features including oodles of pockets for all your bits and pieces, from a sippy cup to a mobile phone, plus clips to attach the bag to the handle of your pram. Also available is the nifty Pronto Change Mat (shown above), perfect for quick trips when you only need the bare essentials. The Pronto packs loads of features into a small space – a wipe-clean change mat, room for nappies and wipes, a strap that can be attached to your pram and stacks of style – I want one, pronto! Skip Hop bags are available at Urban Baby. Prices for bags range from $125 to $169 and Pronto Change Mats are $55.15.

For a bag that is big on style without the price tag to match, the range at JJ Cole is impressive. All bags in the JJ Cole range include non-slip stroller attachments so that you can secure the bag to your pram. The Swag (shown above) includes a co-ordinating changemat and nappy wallet and is without doubt striking. The Swag is US$89.95 and although JJ Cole does not ship directly to Australia, their bags can be found at many online retailers that ship internationally.

For the true ‘you’d never know this is a nappy bag’ look, Timi & Leslie have all the answers. With fashionable designs in beautiful finishes including bronze and pewter, matte black and cream and glossy eggplant, red and black patent it is easy to see why Timi & Leslie are loved by mums (including a long list of celebrity mums). A select range of bags are available from My Brood and prices range from $115 to $219.

The Magic Stroller Bag is an incredibly sensible idea. If you have ever tried to push a stroller and carry bags at the same time (not to mention holding a toddler’s hand as well), you will recognize the brilliance in this bag. Two large round holes allow the bag to be threaded securely onto stroller handles when required. Available in a range of designs, Magic Stroller Bags are €135 and available at Zebra Rouge.

Lastly, it’s no secret that the mums here at Babyology have a serious thing for Il Tutto bags. There are many styles to choose from but I love the crinkle patent Nico, perfect for adding rock star edge to every day (shown below). Not just for looks, this bag is roomy, features a zip-out inner lining that can be easily cleaned, a change mat and the all-important plastic zip pocket for wet things. When the need for a baby bag is over, zip out the baby lining and use the Nico as a regular handbag. The Nico is available at Urban Baby for $245.

Hope you bag yourself something beautiful this Mother’s Day.

Check back tomorrow for our pick of special keepsakes to make mums’ day.

Katrina Whelen

Katrina studied planning and design, did the hard yards working in a big office building and then traded it all in for a relaxing (!) life at home with four children. She now fills her time with writing, completing a degree in genetics and taxiing her children around Melbourne to their various sporting commitments (not necessarily in that order).